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New look Celts take a share of the spoils with top class performance
The great thing about non-competitive DDSL SSG football, aside from the developmental aspects, is that the Players and Coaches can try out new things. In Knocklyon today the Coaches introduced a new 1-2-1-2 formation that the Boys had worked hard at in training. The question was whether introducing the new formation against a quality outfit like Knocklyon was a smart move by the Coaches.
With home advantage Knocklyon started the better – quick to the ball, sharp in the tackle as they set about their business. In truth, while defensively strong, Celtic were struggling to release the attack with their new look formation. Thanks to the strong defensive performance of Ryan Sherlock, Ben Fords and Max Ostapchuk they appeared to have weathered the storm only to concede a soft goal as a shot from distance took a terrible bounce to beat keeper,Gerard Crawley. 1-0.
Celtic were set back and Knocklyon searched for a second. There was a feeling if they got another the Celts could be for a long day as they struggled with the new formation. Knocklyon attacked and split open the Celtic defence leaving their striker through on goal. His shot was crisp and destined for the net only for birthday boy Gerard to make a wonderful save to his right. The match turned on that save. All of a sudden Celtic believed. The defence was re-enforced by Ryan Mc Gregor. The tackles that were being missed were now won. Passes were being made and up from Daniel Moore and Evan Mc Grath were all of a sudden alive to everything.
Celtic were now on top. Evan was taken down following a great run down the left . From the free kick Luke Hughes well struck shot just missed out. Minutes later Ivan Hristov went through the middle beating one, two three players before sliding the ball past the Knocklyon keeper where Evan was on hand to finish 1-1. Celtic would dominate the rest of the half but just could not penetrate the hardworking Knocklyon defence. HT 1-1.
Celtic started the half on top but fell behind to Knocklyon’s first attack. The winger played the ball into the box and Ivan in an attempt to clear the ball unfortunately powered the ball home into his own net. 2-1. The youngster was distraught but what do great players do – they forget it and move on. And that’s what he did as he seemed driven to make amends. He made a run from midfield and as he entered the box he unselfishly played the ball to Gerard only for a cruel bounce to take it away from the youngster. Minutes later Gerard played a lovely teasing cross from the left over the Knocklyon defence that Ivan just failed to touch home. A goal was inevitable and it duly came. Luke picked up on a miscued goal kick and before the goalie could react took a shot from 15 yards into the corner of the net. 2-2.
Celtic sensed that Knocklyon were vulnerable. Luke nearly scored again when he chested down a goal kick and his well struck shot from 25 yards out forced a smart save from the keeper. From the resulting corner by Luke, Ryan (Sherlock) smashed a volley that was a goal all the way but for a reflex save by the Knocklyon stopper. Two more Luke corners followed as Celtic pinned Knocklyon back. With a minute left Ivan went on another mazy run beating three players before seeing his well struck shot force another wonderful save from the Knocklyon keeper. FT: 2-2.
A draw that deserved to be a win but it was the performance that counted. The players gave their all and looked comfortable in a new formation that saw the Celts create possibly their most goal chances in a game this season. All played their part and the Coaches were rightly proud of their charges. Particular mention for Ivan who after his unfortunate goal lifted himself to produce a great performance.
